Background and Objective: Anxiety and depression during pregnancy can negatively affect maternal and fetal health and reduce the mother’s quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a stress management training program on reducing anxiety and depression and improving the quality of life in pregnant women.

Methods: In this interventional study, 30 pregnant women exhibiting symptoms of anxiety and depression, attending prenatal health centers in Ardabil Province, were randomly assigned to either the stress management training group (n = 15) or the control group (n = 15). The intervention group participated in an 8-week program with one 60-minute session per week, which included psychological training on deep breathing techniques, relaxation, meditation, and stress-coping strategies. Anxiety and depression levels were measured using standardized questionnaires, and quality of life was assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire. Data were analyzed using paired and independent t-tests.

Results: The results showed that after the intervention, anxiety and depression levels in the stress management training group were significantly reduced, and their quality of life improved (p < 0.05). Furthermore, between-group comparisons indicated that changes in anxiety, depression, and quality of life were significantly greater in the intervention group compared to the control group (anxiety: p = 0.02; depression: p = 0.04; quality of life: p = 0.03).

Conclusion: Stress management training can serve as an effective non-pharmacological strategy to reduce anxiety and depression and enhance the quality of life in pregnant women, contributing to maternal and fetal mental health.